Lindisfarne hangs on in SFL thriller against Huonville Lions
It seemed like mission impossible but Lindisfarne held on to beat the SFL’s reigning premier in a wet weather thriller.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Launceston marches towards September with a courageous win over the Tigers
- Tasmanian Jackson Callow snapped up in AFL Mid-Season Draft
THE Two Blues are walking taller after knocking off the SFL’s reigning premier in a weather-beaten thriller at Anzac Park and coach Michael Cassidy said it was a welcome boost of confidence to carry Lindisfarne deeper into the season.
Lindisfarne went into the final term leading the Huonville Lions by nine points and kicking against a chilly four-goal breeze.
But the home side held on to beat the Lions 13.11 (89) to 12.10 (82) and give the home side a much-needed shot in the arm.
“We’ve been taking strides toward it for the past three or four weeks, so it was really good to get a four-quarter effort together against a quality side,” Cassidy said.
Key forward Michael Blackburn bagged five majors and jumped to second on the SFL goal kicking table (32) behind Shark Cam Hooker (35), while Cassidy drilled three.
“The conditions were tough. It was blowing its butt off and they had the wind going into the last quarter, and then it started raining,” Cassidy said.
“The boys really dug deep and hung on _ it was really gutsy and luckily we finished the job.”
It was a boost of confidence Lindisfarne needed going into the full competition bye next weekend and a regular bye the week after.
“We’ve got two weeks off now, so this gives us massive confidence going into the break and then we have Dodges Ferry at home after that,” Cassidy said.
The win meant Lindisfarne held onto fourth spot on the ladder with Hobart looming as its closest threat in fifth.
The Tigers accounted for Brighton 12.12 (84) to 5.8 (38), while Dodges Ferry was too good for Sorell at Shark Park, winning 16.16 (112) to 9.12 (66).
The Port maintained top spot with a 13.18 (96) to 7.10 (52) win over New Norfolk at Cygnet.
Future Devils: Meet the rising stars set to represent Tassie
After Tasmania’s success at the under-16 national titles, now it’s the under-15s turn to strut their stuff. Get the lowdown on our future Devils boys and girls in our player profiles.
Pitch and moan: Codes clash over Ninja Stadium access
A leading SFL club’s coach is hopping mad about again being booted from its home ground on the eve of the finals to make way for cricket. Read the details.